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Taxidermy Today
Taxidermy Today
Taxidermy today has moved on from the way that Victorian taxidermists conducted their studies. We have very strict laws that prevent the illegal killing of certain birds and animals which the Guild support fully and this legal information is shared with all members. Please view the "contacts" heading for details of taxidermy supply companies who are Guild Members
Things have changed
These days many specimens are found at the roadside. Road traffic is the largest cause of death to wildlife in the U.K. Consultants to the British Trust for Ornithology estimate that almost 2 million creatures are killed on our roads every week (104 million per year) and although many are damaged beyond repair, a large percentage are left at the roadside with little damage. The use of these specimens presents no threat to our wildlife. Specimens are still mounted by taxidermists that have been shot or killed, but the Guild only supports that activity if it is done strictly within the law.
Taxidermy has improved
We all know the image Victorian taxidermy left behind as a legacy, glass domes crammed with exotic birds or black boxes containing grotesque caricatures of foxes and squirrels. Taxidermy became fashionable and this demand led to a great many untrained taxidermists taking up the craft but there were only a few who had both technical and artistic ability. Now the Guild is working to maintain and develop the current standards whilst helping new members to attain the high standards of work seen by many members.
The Art & Craft Of Taxidermy
The majority of taxidermists have a deep knowledge and appreciation of natural history as this helps them to accurately preserve the specimen and recreate the natural living environment, so tend to be sincere naturalists. Taxidermy is a highly skilled craft and the quality of work depends on the knowledge, patience and artistic ability of the exponent. Modern materials are available and techniques are constantly being updated, giving far better results.
Taxidermists do not stuff
To say that a taxidermist stuffs animals is misleading. In fact the skin is removed, preserved and arranged around a model of the original body. A good knowledge of anatomy is essential to create the artificial body or 'form'. Artistic talent is needed to finish the specimen and set up a natural display. A good taxidermist is a sculptor, artist and naturalist rolled into one. Taxidermy which is properly preserved, well mounted and tastefully finished takes time, and will therefore be more expensive than inferior work. It will however, stand the test of time and appreciate in value.
Taxidermy, You & The Law
The laws concerning the purchase or possession of natural history specimens can be a little confusing. Should you come across a dead wild creature and wish to have it preserved, you must consider how the subject met its death. Once you are satisfied that the cause of death was not illegal, make a note of all circumstances surrounding the death then contact your taxidermist. If you are unable to ascertain the cause, the information you have can help your taxidermist decide if your specimen can be mounted. The taxidermist must have this information to hand if it is requested by an authorised person.
Purchasing Birds & Mammals
Taxidermists hold stocks of both frozen and ready mounted specimens and must be able to provide full information for each item. It would be unwise to purchase modern taxidermy that has no label or marker referring to the taxidermist and his record number. If you purchase an unmarked specimen, you will have no way of proving that it was acquired legally.
Certain British species are protected because of their rarity and these must have a permit to be sold. Endangered species are covered by the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) and also need permits.
The status of any specimen or legislation can change in the future. It is wise to keep a record of any in your possession. If you have any doubts about the law concerning Taxidermy, contact The Guild of Taxidermists.
Taxidermy in Education
There is nothing quite like well presented taxidermy for instilling an early interest in natural history in young children. A mounted bird, unlike a live specimen, can be approached and studied closely. Visually impaired people and children find mounted specimens particularly fascinating when they are allowed to feel texture of scales, fur and feathers. Children are filled with enthusiasm in the school art room when presented with birds and animals.
Taxidermy for Artists & Scientific Study
As well as the displays of mounted specimens on show, many museums keep study skins of birds and mammals, which are kept in special stores and may be viewed by appointment. These specimens are prepared for scientific study and their use over a period of time makes it possible for unusual or rare species to be thoroughly investigated. The skins can be handled and are of great help to artists taking colour and pattern references to support their field sketches. All available data such as age, sex, date and location of the collection is attached to these specimens.
Seminars & Conference
Every year the Guild organises meetings; one day seminars are held in the autumn and a two day conference in the spring. All have a full programme of illustrated talks and demonstrations. Members are invited to bring along examples of their work for competitions and professional qualifications (the only qualification available for taxidermists in the U.K.). The informal atmosphere is ideal for those interested in finding out more about the subject, whilst making new friends and exploring the possibility of career opportunities.
The Guild's Journal
The Guild produces an annual magazine and quarterly journal which are distributed to all members. These are the Guild's main line of communication. The magazine contains information on new techniques and materials and is open to all members to contribute letters, articles, photographs and advertisements.
Enquiries concerning membership and other matters should be addressed to:
Duncan Ferguson
c/o Glasgow Museums Resource Centre,
200 Woodhead Road,
South Nitshill,
Glasgow G53 7NN